Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Shadows of the Grand Line

After a few hours of sailing, the crew began working on creating their pirate flag. Usopp and Luffy tried several times but failed to create a suitable design, resulting in laughter and frustration. Eventually, they settled on a skull wearing a straw hat, much to the crew's satisfaction.

Later, as they lay lazily on the deck, enjoying the calm after their work, Luffy started firing the cannon for fun. Usopp quickly joined in, managing to destroy a giant rock from a few hundred meters away.
…

The crew gathered in the kitchen, chatting about the upcoming challenges they’d face on the Grand Line. As their conversation shifted, it became clear they needed a cook. Just then, a sudden shout echoed from the deck.

Outside, a man attacked Luffy but was quickly knocked down. Zoro emerged from the cabin, recognizing the attacker as Johnny, one of his old partners. After a tense moment, the crew calmed down, and the man explained that his partner, Yosaku, had fallen ill.

Nami quickly stepped in to treat Yosaku, her expertise saving the day. Meanwhile, Johnny mentioned a restaurant on the seas, famous for its cooks.
…

Arriving at their destination, they encountered Lieutenant “Iron Fist Fullbody” a Marine officer who mistook Johnny and Yosaku for captives of the pirate crew. Angry at being underestimated, the bounty hunters attacked, but Fullbody beat them down with ease.

As Johnny’s bounty posters scattered across the deck, Nami’s eyes caught one in particular. Her body trembled in fear, her face growing pale. Ryomen noticed her reaction but chose to stay silent, watching her with quiet concern.

Suddenly, Fullbody fired a cannonball at their ship, but Luffy quickly deflected it, sending it crashing toward the restaurant.

Luffy, wide-eyed with panic, bolted after it to check for any damage or injuries.

“Luffy’s been gone for a while now, hasn’t he?” Ryomen remarked, trying to break the tension with Nami, who still hadn’t spoken to him.

Nami remained silent, her gaze distant.

“She’s still mad at me.” Ryomen said with a heavy sigh, turning to Zoro.

“Hm? Why would she be?” Zoro raised an eyebrow, confused.

“She hasn’t said a word to me since she ate the Devil Fruit.” Ryomen muttered, feeling disheartened.

Zoro started to respond, “I don’t think that’s why–”

Before Zoro could finish, Usopp’s voice interrupted, shouting about heading inside to meet Luffy and get something to eat.
…

At the Baratie restaurant, the group sat around a table, waiting for Luffy to come.

“Hi, chore boy!” Nami teased with a grin.

“So, you have to work here for a year, huh?” Usopp chuckled, amused by Luffy’s predicament.

“This reminds me of our first meeting. Seems like things always come full circle.” Ryomen added, trying to suppress a laugh.

“We might need a new captain now. You think you're up for it, Ryomen?” Zoro asked with a smirk.

“Well, if you insist, I’ll gladly take the role.” Ryomen replied, half-joking.

“You guys! Stop it! I'm the captain!!” Luffy shouted, clearly irritated by their teasing.

Just then, a blond man with swirled eyebrows approached, eyes full of hearts as he showered Nami with compliments. She stared blankly at him, unimpressed.